Networking & Communications

One energy plan aims to reduce oil dependence by harnessing domestic energy alternatives. Using private-sector funding, the plan proposes to use wind turbines to provide 20% of our electricity supply and build power transmission lines to connect wind power-generating sites with power plants. The natural gas that has historically been used to fuel power plants would then be redirected to replace the gasoline and diesel used by the vehicles in our transportation system. Is this plan viable? What would you propose?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.

To counter soaring oil prices and skyrocketing inflation, the U.S. is considering an end to restrictions on oil exploration in its coastal waters and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Is this a matter of too little, too late; throwing good resources after bad; or a chance to improve the situation? Bottom line: Will lifting the ban as a first step help improve the energy situation? Where do you stand on this issue?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.

Current conventional wisdom says that technical certifications and expertise are not enough to advance your career as an IT professional. You must be able to couple technical know-how and work-related experience with a high-level understanding of business processes and goals. You also have to be able to view IT objectives within a business context. Finally, interpersonal skills are also viewed as essential to moving up the corporate ladder. Do you believe you must have these credentials to advance as an IT professional in your company? Does your experience support these claims?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.

Scientific studies indicate that some Nanomaterials used in foods, agricultural products, and packaging materials introduce new risks to human and environmental health. And some believe Nanotechnology threatens the development of sustainable food and farming systems. But because there are no laws mandating labeling of Nano ingredients and additives, there is no way of avoiding products containing these materials. It would seem that current conditions render the public both blind and mute. In the absence of mandatory Nanomaterial regulations, are we poised for trouble? Should government intercede with regulatory safeguards? To what degree?

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What criteria should be used to determine what is trivial and what isn't? After all, one person's trash is another's treasure. It seems Wikipedia is caught in a subjective area. Also, the vast majority of those availing themselves of material on the site access Wikipedia's pages via search engines. They don't wade through — or even know about — material they aren't concerned with. The fundamental question: Does open inclusion of user-generated content outweigh editorial restrictions aimed at ensuring relevance and quality?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Networking & Communications, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Networking & Communications today.